Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by the Children’s Alliance for their outstanding service on behalf of children.

To be honored as a Champion for Children, a state lawmaker must provide significant leadership in protecting or advancing state policies or investments that improve the well-being of children in Washington.

Every child in our state should have the opportunity to thrive: a quality education supported by parents and community from cradle to career; enough healthy food to eat each day; and access to comprehensive, affordable health care that optimizes their well-being.

In our weekly Learn, Love, Lead! email series, we show what we can do together to protect and support Washington's children from new federal threats. Each week, we provide a resource you can learn from and share, or an action you can take to be the leader kids are counting on.

Whether you and your family are targeted by rising hate or a particular policy, or you want to act in solidarity with children and families in your community, we are here to support your actions to protect kids’ well-being and happiness today, and help them grow into their enormous potential.

We all have a stake in making sure that, from the day they’re born, kids can have the enriching experiences they need to get off to a great start in life. Research has found quality early learning can give children the tools they need to thrive academically and emotionally throughout their young lives and beyond.

Parents and caregivers face the daily challenge of how to support kids in the midst of racialized rhetoric and bias incidents. Here are some resources that may help. Not all resources will fit each person or situation. Please exercise your own judgement and use what works for you.

Town halls are public meetings lawmakers host in their districts to hear from constituents and share updates on their work.

Participating in a town hall is a great way to advocate for kids. It allows you to build a relationship with your legislator, learn about their priorities, and raise issues that are important to you and to kids and families.

Child care educators earn very low wages, child care center teachers turn over at a 43% rate, and 22% of child care businesses have closed since 2011. Without more public investment, these alarming trends will accelerate.

We call on the legislature to fund the cost of quality child care by investing $85.5 million into Working Connections Child Care center reimbursement rates. Read more here from Child Care Aware's fact sheet (PDF).

About Children's Alliance

At the Children’s Alliance, we’re advocates for kids. We ensure that laws, policies and programs work for kids, and we hold our leaders accountable until they secure the resources required to make all children safe and healthy.